Fridley board adopts unanimous resolution to protect students from civil immigration enforcement
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Summary
The Fridley Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution affirming student safety, legal compliance and belonging and restricting district cooperation with civil immigration enforcement unless compelled by valid judicial process.
Fridley Public Schools' board unanimously adopted a resolution affirming student safety, legal compliance and belonging and limiting the district's cooperation with civil immigration enforcement.
Superintendent Doctor Lewis read the measure, titled "Fridley Public Schools Board of Education Resolution Affirming Student Safety, Legal Compliance, and Belonging," citing Plyler v. Department of Education (1982), the Fourth Amendment and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as legal foundations for the district's stance. The resolution directs that immigration enforcement officials "shall not be granted access to nonpublic areas or school buildings, school grounds, or school transportation unless presented with a valid judicial warrant or court order lawfully served upon the superintendent and reviewed and approved by legal counsel." Doctor Lewis said the action reflects both legal obligations and the district's moral responsibility.
Board members, staff and community representatives spoke in support. Sarah Jones, the board treasurer, called the resolution an affirmation of the law and district values. A paraeducator who identified themself in the meeting record said they had seen students unable to learn because they do not feel safe. One board member suggested the district provide a family-facing statement and translated resources so that parents and families would know the district's position and any resources available to them; Doctor Lewis confirmed staff will prepare an accompanying letter and translated materials.
Doctor Lewis also said the district will provide staff guidance and training on the resolution and its protocols and will communicate the resolution to Fridley City Council and Fridley Public Safety. Board members emphasized that the resolution reaffirms existing legal limits on school cooperation with civil immigration enforcement and that the district's obligations include protecting student records under FERPA.
The board voted by roll call and the motion passed unanimously. Following the vote, Doctor Lewis noted staff would work on translations and family communications and that the district will include delegation-of-parent-authority (DOPA) resources alongside the presentation materials.
The board did not amend the resolution during the meeting; it was placed on the agenda for approval and adopted in the business actions portion of the meeting. The board chair confirmed the vote passed with all members present voting aye.
